Chugachik Island

Chugachik Island is a small island in the upper reaches of Kachemak Bay, an indent in the Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. The island falls within the bounds of Kachemak Bay State Park.

The island is of archaeological interest, with at least two sites (identified as SEL-033 and SEL-079) that have been professionally excavated. SEL-033 is a predominantly a midden, in which remains of flora and fauna have been recovered among human artifacts, including stone and bone tools, and a cradle made of birch bark. The site was excavated in 1974 and 1977, with radiocarbon dating suggesting occupation around 360 BCE. SEL-079, excavated in 1982, included three layers of occupation, dating from the early 1st century BCE to a Tanaina occupation estimated to date to the late 19th century. The latter find represents the first known evidence of Tanaina occupation of the area. A parcel of 1.2 acre surrounding SEL-033 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.